McLain Henry had a lot to celebrate on May 23: her 18th birthday, graduating from Hillgrove High School, and a mission trip to Brazil with Roswell Street Baptist Church during the World Cup June 10 through 18. Instead of choosing just one, her family conducted a Tri-Celebration party at Wynford Chace Clubhouse in west Cobb.

Three separate tables defined three celebrations. Red balloons with “Keep Calm — It’s Your 18th Birthday” adorned the first table where guests entered, along with a tier of cupcakes made by her grandmother, Marguerite Rich.

A center table housed a three-tiered, 12-foot tall, delicious graduation cake created by friend Deeann Hooper. A stuffed owl with a sign around its neck that read “KSU Bound” sat at the end of the table. McLain will attend Kennesaw State University in the fall. KSU owl houses were also created, depicting McLain and Allison Ashworth on them since they will be roommates.

The third table featured delicacies from Brazil such as Romeo & Julileta (cheese and guava), Coxinha (corn and cream cheese croquettes), Pastel De Frango (chicken empanada), Pao ole Queijo (Brazilian style cheese bread), Melancia, Abqcaxi, Coco, Manga, Mamao (watermelon, pineapple, coconut, mango, papaya), Brigadero (coconut dessert), Brigadero (chocolate and caramel dessert) and the native drink, guarana. Esther Islam, a co-worker of McLain’s mother at Dowell Elementary School in west Cobb, prepared all the delicious items. A Brazilian flag and other items from Brazil were used as decorations.

Family members Gage Henry (brother) traveled from Athens, where he attends UGA; Karen and Merrick Henry (grandparents), and Beth Anne Porche (McLain’s aunt) and her daughter, Barbara, drove from Louisiana to attend the weekend festivities.

McLain is the daughter of Renee and Dunn Henry of Marietta.

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Marietta resident Andi Hardy is preparing for the Death Race. The 44-year-old woman will travel to the Green Mountains of Pittsfield, Vermont, for the race on June 27 to 29.

What is so special about this race? It is non-stop. It is grueling physically and mentally with no specific routes, markers or flags. There is no set agenda and racers do not have knowledge of tasks until they face them.

Look for Andi’s story in July and we’ll tell you how she did. To learn more, visit www.youmaydie.com.

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Fashion spotlight of the week: This brunette with her beautiful sparkling eyes and big smile brightened the evening in a tangerine belted, three-quarter sleeve dress — Jaydee Smith of Marietta.

Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit@bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-8106.

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